Senior Group HR Transformation Consultant

Location: Lebanon, with regular travel to Africa Engagement: Long-term consulting assignment Duration: 4 years Time commitment: Approximately 12–16 weeks per year Start date: Q1 2027 About the Assignment Our client is a diversified African Group with approximately 4,000 employees, and operations across multiple countries and companies. As the Group enters an important phase of transformation, growth and geographic expansion, it is looking to build a modern, scalable and integrated Group Human Resources function capable of supporting the organisation's development through 2030 and beyond. The Group currently has HR leadership within its different business areas but does not yet have a Group HR function or Group CHRO. We are therefore looking for a highly experienced Senior Group HR Transformation Consultant / HR Architect to design and progressively help implement the Group's future HR model. This is not a conventional operational HR role. The assignment is focused on HR strategy, organisational architecture, governance, talent management, leadership development, performance, rewards, HR processes, digitalisation and change management at Group level. Key Responsibilities Phase 1 – Group HR Strategy & Transformation Assess the current HR organisation, processes, tools and capabilities across the Group. Conduct a diagnostic of the existing HR model and identify key gaps and priorities. Define the Group HR strategy and roadmap through 2030. Design the appropriate Group HR operating model, organisation and governance structure. Clarify roles and responsibilities between Group, countries, business units and subsidiaries. Develop a Group-wide framework for talent management and high-potential identification. Establish succession planning and leadership pipeline frameworks. Develop Group approaches to performance management and compensation. Define recruitment, internal mobility and career development frameworks. Develop approaches to leadership development, learning and capability building. Recommend appropriate HR technology, systems and digitalisation initiatives. Help define and reinforce Group culture, values and leadership principles. Establish relevant HR KPIs, dashboards and management reporting. Benchmark the Group's HR organisation and practices against relevant African and international groups. Prioritise initiatives and establish a practical implementation roadmap. Phase 2 – Implementation & Knowledge Transfer Following the development of the HR strategy and roadmap, the consultant will support the Group in progressively implementing the proposed model. Key responsibilities will include: Supporting the implementation of the Group HR operating model and governance. Accompanying the existing HR leadership and teams in deploying new processes, tools and frameworks. Supporting the implementation of talent, succession, performance and compensation initiatives. Coaching and transferring knowledge to the internal HR team. Supporting the development of the next generation of Group HR leadership. Monitoring implementation progress and recommending adjustments where required. Ensuring that the Group develops the internal capabilities necessary to independently manage and evolve the HR function over the long term. Requirements Ideal Profile We are looking for a very senior HR transformation professional with a strong track record of designing and implementing HR models within complex organisations. The ideal candidate will have: 15+ years of senior HR / HR transformation experience. Previous experience as a Group CHRO, CHRO, Group HR Director, HR Transformation Director, senior HR consultant or equivalent. Proven experience in designing or transforming Group-level HR functions. Experience working with large, multi-country organisations, ideally across Africa and/or emerging markets. Strong experience in HR operating models, governance and organisational design. Demonstrated expertise in talent management, succession planning, performance management and leadership development. Strong understanding of compensation and reward frameworks. Experience developing HR strategies and translating them into practical implementation roadmaps. Experience leading or supporting significant HR transformation and change programmes. Strong understanding of HR technology and digital transformation. Ability to operate comfortably with Group-level executives, business leaders and senior HR professionals. Strong facilitation, influencing and stakeholder-management skills. A pragmatic, hands-on approach, with the ability to move from strategy and diagnosis to implementation. Excellent communication and presentation skills. Fluent in Arabic, French and English, with the ability to work effectively with senior stakeholders across Francophone and international environments. Preferred Experience Particular consideration will be given to candidates who have: Worked with African groups operating across multiple countries and subsidiaries. Designed HR operating models for diversified or family-owned groups. Worked with organisations undergoing rapid growth, geographic expansion or governance transformation. Successfully built Group HR functions where HR previously operated primarily at business-unit or country level. Experience coaching internal HR leaders and transferring capabilities rather than remaining solely in an advisory capacity. Engagement Details Duration: 4 years Phase 1: 2.5 years Phase 2: 18 months Expected involvement: Approximately 12–16 weeks per year Working model: Hybrid / International, with on-site presence and travel as required Start date: Q1 2027 Level: Senior / Executive This is a strategic opportunity for an experienced HR transformation leader to design and help build a Group-wide HR function from the ground up, while working closely with senior Group leadership and supporting the development of the internal HR organisation.